Play was suspended for 15 minutes
The New Years’ Day clash between AFC Fylde and Rochdale was suspended for 15 minutes after a serious head injury was sustained.
Both sides were taken off the pitch after Rochdale’s Jesurun Uchegbulam collided with the railings on the side of the pitch, leaving him needing urgent medical attention.
Fans inside the ground at Mill Farm were told that play would be suspended while they waited for an ambulance after the referee had initially allowed play to continue while Uchegbulam received treatment in the stands.
Rochdale’s official X account posted that Uchegbulam had been taken away from the pitch on a stretcher after a period of medical attention.
Their post read: “Uchegbulam has been carried away on a stretcher to a standing ovation inside Mill Farm.
“The players will now have a brief warm-up period before play gets back underway. Everything crossed for you, Jes.”
Fylde also offered a message of support to the 22-year-old.
Play was resumed and Fylde went on to win the game 2-0 and after the game, Rochdale provided an update on Uchegbulam, confirming he was in a “stable condition”.
Some fans meanwhile were left angered by the decision to allow play to continue in the immediate aftermath in relation to the severity of the injury.
“Can’t believe the ref carried on. All the best jesurun Uchegbulam,” said one supporter.
Another commented: “Appalling that the ref played on with both teams medical teams having to work on Jes. Should have stopped the game immediately. Dangerous.”
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